Re-predict and Improve the Outlook for The Overall Decline of The Big-box Retailer Industry: Case of Target's Tailures in Canada

Abstract

The rise of e-commerce in the 21st century has dramatically impacted the Canadian and global consumer markets. During this period of high economic volatility, many big-box retail chains have gone out of business due to ineffective modes of business. Through the case study of the rise and fall of Target Canada between 2013-2015, and cross-referencing the company’s statistics with the successes of other surviving competitors such as Walmart, many flaws of its operations were exposed. The four fundamental flaws in Target Canada’s operations were found to be: Overly-aggressive expansion into a foreign market niche; a high level of competition with other retailers due to a lack of specialties in merchandise; Low brand loyalties due to poor consumer experience, and Lack of user-friendly online shopping platforms, mobile app platforms, and other auxiliary services. This study has concluded that Target Canada’s lack of implementation of technological innovations and its ineffective logistical planning were the two major causes of its ultimate downfall. Suggestions for correction and improvements are discussed, which may give insight to current and future entrepreneurs who wish to enter the Canadian market as a retailer.